Fun run to help Tripp Roth, 2, will take place Nov. 12 at Bogue Falaya Park, Covington

There are plenty of good causes that vie for our attention, especially as we edge closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are just a couple:

A fun run and fundraiser will take place Saturday at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington for little Tripp Roth, 2, who suffers from Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. The rare genetic skin disease causes large blisters on all surfaces of the skin. The disease has left Tripp blind and unable to speak.

It is a story of great love and even greater courage. With all of the challenges Tripp and his family face, it is heartening to know that they are surrounded by people in the community who want to help them.

Funds raised from Saturday’s event will go directly to the Roth family for medical costs.

Registration is at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the park, and the one-mile fun run will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is $20 for individuals and $50 for families (two adults plus kids). There will be a party in the park following the fun run.

For more information about Tripp, his journey and his family, visit RandyCourtneyTrippRoth.blogspot.com.

Meanwhile, Suzy Potter of The Blood Center is helping to coordinate “Happy Hands” for sick children.

The idea is that during hospital stays, children often require a bed bath. To make that idea a little more appealing, why not give the children “character bath mitts,” Potter said. A quick shopping trip online turns up cow bath mitts, ladybug bath mitts and more, she points out. All you need to do is order some of these online and donate them by Dec. 14.

For those wishing to make a financial donation to purchase the bath mitts, call Potter at 504.939.9609 or send an email to spotter@thebloodcenter.org. Donations should be made by Nov. 27.

Last year, Potter helped hospitalized children get bright, soft pillowcases. This year, she hopes families will make it a holiday project to buy bath mitts in someone else’s name for a special Christmas gift that will warm the heart of a sick child at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Slidell Memorial, Children’s Hospital in New Orleans or North Oaks Health System in Hammond. When you donate the bath mitt in someone’s name, they will receive a specially designed “Happy Hands” greeting card.

Bath mitts can be donated by Dec. 14 at The Blood Center’s Mandeville location, 4350 Louisiana 22 (near the Rouses between Louisiana 22 and West Causeway Approach). The Blood Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.